In one of the most progressive and innovative urban developments that any US city has ever undertaken, Atlanta’s BeltLine[1] is a transit network that encircles the city. The BeltLine includes a 22-mile light-rail transit loop, multi-use paths, and almost 1000 acres of parks. This project is over 6000 acres[2] in size and it has initiated an urban revitalization throughout Atlanta that will include new jobs, affordable housing, improved transportation, new cultural facilities and the longest arboretum in the world.

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This ambitious urban development, produced by Atlanta BeltLine Inc., began with the formulation of the idea in 1999. Overwhelming support of the idea from Atlanta led to the development of the Atlanta BeltLine TAD[5] (Tax Allocation District) in 2005. The city purchased lands and made deals to allow for future development along the BeltLine so that the city would grow in a smart direction. The design of the 22-mile transit greenway is being done by Perkins + Will[6]. The Beltline connects 45 neighborhoods, and this multi-phased project will be complete in a matter of years and is included in metro Atlanta’s Plan 2040.

As the master plan inches along towards total completion, many new events and activities have welcomed the phases all around the city of Atlanta. The Atlanta BeltLine Running Series[7] and Art on the Atlanta BeltLine[8] have invigorated the community and there are many more events to come. As each phases is completed a new grand opening celebration heralds the changes that are to come for many of the blighted communities around the city.